IRS Warns Shutdown-Exempt Employees: Excessive Leave Could Lead to Furloughs

This week, the IRS faced significant workforce challenges as nearly half of its employees were furloughed. Now, employees who remain are being told they could also face furloughs if they take more than eight hours of leave each pay period.

Sources within the agency shared that this policy was communicated verbally without any written notice. An IRS manager informed employees that exceeding the eight-hour leave limit would result in furloughs for the remainder of the pay period, with no certainty about being called back the next period.

One IRS employee described the emotional impact on the staff, saying, “Dozens of employees were just furloughed. This is hard. Everything changed.” Others echoed similar sentiments, noting that they had just been informed they were exempt from furloughs due to the shutdown.

Management’s communication has left some employees confused. One mentioned that their exemption stated they’d continue to receive pay and benefits during the shutdown, but were told they’d now be furloughed instead.

The IRS had initially kept all employees on the job during the first five business days of the shutdown, but their plans did not account for extended lapses in funding. Now, the agency may not guarantee back pay for furloughed employees, a stark shift from previous practices. This has left many in limbo.

Historically, legislation passed after the 2019 shutdown guaranteed such back pay. However, with this latest policy shift, employees feel uncertain about their financial futures. One employee said their furlough notice inexplicably vanished from their work email, though they still had a copy saved elsewhere.

As the IRS prepares for tax season, it faces risks with this increased furlough policy. Former IRS Commissioner John Koskinen expressed surprise at the decision, arguing that key employees involved in tax preparation should not be sidelined. Larry Gibbs, another former commissioner, echoed this concern, noting that current furloughs could negatively affect the upcoming filing season.

Amidst these challenges, the IRS aims to keep about 53% of its workforce active, focusing primarily on taxpayer services. As the landscape continues to shift, the agency’s ability to meet its obligations may heavily depend on how these policies evolve.

For further details, you can refer to the IRS’s updated contingency plans.

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